The children of the Hogar San José love Christmas, as do children from all over the world where the holiday is celebrated. Good food, plenty of Sister Edith´s relatives, lots of kids, friends, and gifts were the rule of the day. We are especially grateful for gifts from Marcella Lobo of Tegucigalpa, Sgt Tamatha Perkins and her family from the Palmerola Military installation, computer geek Paula Porter also at Palmerola, my friend Jana Haney from Seattle, the Allison and Michael Scott family from Texas and all those local folk who contributed so much sumptuous food for the gathering of children and adults as well as those who helped with food preparation. Also on my mind today is my own multitudinous family back in the States with whom I will soon be reunited, and not to be forgotten, my Peace Corps friends who have in past years celebrated these holiday celebrations at the Hogar with us and those with whom I have a special bond as fellow world travelers. Siempre en la lucha! Feliz Navidad a todos!

The country´s President´s daughter, Marcella Lobo, was there from Tegucigalpa, as were many other local community members. This day was a long time coming, but it was most welcome: the first stone has been laid. The new building for the Fundación Señor San José is a reality. Or rather, it will be a reality in 7 or 8 months. But it is indeed a concrete step forward.  We will follow its monthly progress via a pictorial history until the day arrives that Sister Edith is given the keys and we open the door for the childrens´business, for that is what this is all about. The children.

Soto Cano Air Base is located in the aldea of Palmerola, about twenty minutes from La Paz. It is the only US military installation in Central America. This year the military staff hosted several hundred children from the surrounding area to share holiday cheer and camaraderie. Santa arrived in his helicopter and the children ate hot dogs, way too much candy, and played games and mingled with the base personnel. Towards evening the kids returned home full of food and exhausted, each with a gift in hand.